Switch box



se nzz, 1931. R. M. HOLMES 1,824,548

SWITCH BOX Filed Aug. 10, 1922 {Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 22, 1931. HQLMESl;824,548

- SWITCH BOX Filed. Aug. 10, 1922 s Sheets-She 2 Sept. 22, 1931. R. M.HQLMES 1,824,543

svrn'cn box Filed Aug. 10, 1922 3 Sheets-Shoot. 3

Patented Sept. 22, 1931 UNITED STATES RICHARD M. HOLMES, OF DAVENPORT,IOWA SWITCH BOX Application filed August 10, 1922. Serial No. 580,964.

My invention relates to new and useful improvements in switch boxes andhas for its principal object the provision of a switch box which isexpansible or, which in other words, is so constructed that its capacitymay be so increased as to accommodate more than one switch.

A further object residesin the provision of novel means whereby thesections or units going forward to make up the completed box may be soconnected that the outer surface of the box will be perfectly smoothwithout any projections whatsoever.

Anotherv object consists in forming the box of separate units, saidunits comprising end portions and intermediate spacing strips, thespacing strips being of different shapes so that the size of the box maybe increased vertically as well as longitudinally. I p

With the above and other objects in view, which will appear as thedescription proceeds, my invention consists in the novel details ofconstruction and arrangements of parts described in the followingspecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while Ihave illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of theinvention, as they now appear to me, it will be understood that suchchanges may be made as will fall within the scope-of the appendedclaims. 1 y

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation showing the two main units of the boxconnected for receiv ing a single switch. v

Fig. 2 is a top plan of the construction shown in Fig, 1.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of what may be termed a double switch box,or in other words shows a construction in which'a single spacing stripis inserted between the mainend units and expands the boxlongitudinally.

Fig. 4 is a top plan of the construction illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation showing what may be termed a triple switchbox or in other words a box which has been expanded both longitudinallyand vertically, such box being particularly adapted for turning corners.

Fig. 6 is an end view of the construction illustrated in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 "s a fragmental detail perspective of the interlockingconnections between the adjacent units or the units and spacing strips.

Fig. 8'is a front elevation of the right hand end unit detached. 7 Fig.9 is a front elevation of one of the spacing strips, detached, saidspacing strip being of the construction used in expanding the boxvertically.

Fig. 10 is a front elevation of the spacing 5 strip used for expandingthe box longitudinally, and

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the left hand end unit.

With switch boxes as now commonly constructed when electricians arecalled upon to put flush switch boxes in a wall or other surface theyare compelled to carry a number of different sizes so that they may putin one or'more switches in different places as may be called for by theplans. My invention provides a switch box which comprises a'plurality ofconnectible units so that the electrician can expand the size of theswitch box, at will, and only needs to carry in stock so a number ofstandard units.

In carrying out my invention I provide two main or end units and aplurality of spacing members or units, the end units being connectedtogether to form a single switch box, and the spacing members orunits-being inserted between and connected with the end units when it isdesired to expand the box longitudinally or vertically so as toaccommodate two or more switches. In the drawings A and B indicate themain or end units, C a spacing strip or unit adapted to be insertedbetween and connected tothe end units for expanding the boxlongitudinally and D a spacing strip or unit adapted for expanding thebox vertically.

The end unit A comprises a back 1, a bottom 2, and end 3, the inner edgeof the back being cut diagonally as shown at 4 fora purpose which willlater appear. An

inwardly extending ear or lug 6 is formed on the top of the end 3 and isprovided with a threaded opening 7 to receive a screw or other suitablefastening. An outwardly extending ear or lug 8 is formed on the forwardedge of the end 3 and is provided with a threaded opening 9. Formed inthe edge of the back 1, and extending from the diagonally cut edge 4thereof, is a recess 10 and projecting from the edge 4 is asubstantially L-shaped lug or projection 11, the end of said lug orprojection extending over a portion of the front of the recess 10 asmore particularly illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. As also quiteclearly shown in Fig. 11 the bottom 2 extends slightly beyond thediagonally cut edge 4 of the back 1, said extending portion havingadjacent the forward edge an opening 12 to receive a fastening memberina manner to'be later described. vAdjustably secured upon the end 3, ofthis unit, by means of the screws or other fastenings 13, is a bracket14, said bracket having the openings 15. As more clearly shown in Fig. 6the brackets are provided with slotted arms 16 to receive the fasteningmembers 13. The corner of the unit A is shaped as shown at 17 in Fig. 2of the drawings, and therear corner of the bottom is also cut at anangle. V

The right hand end unit B isconstructed in a similar manner to the endunit A. This end unit B comprises a back 18, an end 19, and a top 20 theend of the back 18 being cut diagonally as shown at21. The corner of theunit is bent or formed on an angle as shown at 22 and the end of the topis cut at an angle to conform to the angle 17 of the member A. Aninwardly extending ear or lug 23 is formed on the bottom edge of the end19 and has a threaded opening 24 therein adapted to register with theopening 12 in the bottom 2 of the member A, when the two units arebrought in position'to be (011? nected together. An outwardly extendingear or lug 25 is'formed on the forward edge of the end 19 and isprovided with an opening 26 which is preferably threaded for thereception of a fastening member. A recess or notch 27 is formed in theback 18, from the diagonally extending edge 21, and formed adjacent thisrecess or notch is a substantially L-shaped projection, the outer end ofwhich extends slightly over the edge of the notch or recess. Secured tothe end 19, by means of screws or other suitable fastening means 29, isan adjustable bracket 30 which has the forked arms, the same asdescribed for the bracket 14. The bracket 30 is also provided with theopening 30 for the reception of suitable fastening members. The outerend of the top 20 extends beyond the diagonally cut edge 21 of'the back18 and is provided with an opening 31 as quite clearly shown in Fig. 8of the drawings.

When the switch box is to be used for the reception of only one switchthe two end units A and B will be connected in the manner shown in Figs.1 and 2 of the drawings. The extension. of the top 20 of the member Bwill overlie the ear or lug 6 of the member A and a screw or othersuitable fastening member 32 will be passed through the aligned threadedopenings 7 and 31. The extension on the bottom 2 of the member A willextend over the ear or lug 23 of the member B and a screw or othersuitable fastening member 33 will be passed through the aligned threadedopenings 12 and 24. Prior to connecting by-the screws or other fasteningmembers 32 and 33 the lugs or projections 11 and 28, formed on thediagonally extending edges 4"and 21 of the members A and B,respectively,will be interlocked as shown in F ig. 1. With thisconstruction it will be seen that the outer surface of the box isperfectly smooth and there will be no projections whatsoever tointerfere with the insertion or the box in the wall or floor opening. Atthe same time the rear end corner of the box is formed on an angle sothe box may be easily inserted. The box may be securedto the wall, flooror other object by passing fastening members through the openings 15 and30 of the brackets 14 and 30 on the ends of the units A and Brespectively. The interlocking projections 11 and 28 form an initialconnectionfor the members Aand B and thefastening members 32 and 33prevent accidental disengagement of the interlocking. The lugs 8 and 25are used for fastening the switch" mechanism proper within the box.

When it isdesired to expand the box or to increase its capacity for twoswitches I insert the spacing strip or unit C between the end units Aand Bas clearly shown in Figs. 3 and'4 of the drawings. This spacingstripor unit comprises a back 34, a top 35 and a bottom 36, the ends 37j and 38 of the back being cut diagonally on an angle as quite'clearlyshown'in Fig. 9 of the drawingsj The left hand side of the bottom 36 isslightly offset as shown at 39, the right hand side'of the bottomextending beyond the diagonally cut edge 38 and being providedwith anopening 40 for the reception of a screw 41} or other fastening member,said screw or fastening member 41 also engaging in the threaded opening23 formed in the ear or lug '24 ,of the member B. The right hand end ofthe top 35 is slightly offset as shown at 42 and is provided with athreaded opening 43 to receive a screw or other fastening member 44which also passes through the opening 31 formed in the top 20 of theunit B. The left hand end of the top 35 extends beyond the diagonallycut edge 37 and when the spacingstrip -is in position betweentheend-units will overlie the inwardly extendinglug-or projection 6,said extending endbeing provided with an opening 45 to receive the screwor other fastening member 46' which engages in the threaded opening7'formed in the ear or lug 6. The ofiset portion 39 engages over theextended end of the bottom 2 of the unit A and a fastening screw 47passes through the opening 12 formed in thebottom 2 and through anopening 48 formed in the offset portion. A recess 49 is formed in thediagonally cut edge 38 and-a substantially L- shaped projection 50 isformed on said edge adjacent the recess. A recess 51 is formed in thediagonally cut edge 37 and a substantially L-shaped projection 52 isformed on the edge adjacent the recess. 'As is quite clearly shown inFig. 10 of the drawings the projections 50 and 52 extend in oppositedirections. When the spacing strip or unit C is inserted between the endunits A and B the lug or projection 52 is interlocked with theprojectionfll on the endunit A- and the lug or projection 50 willinterlock with the lug or projection 28 on the unitB. After theinterlocking is perfected theseveral units'will be secured together bythe fasteningmembers 41, 44, 46 and 47 as previously described. F orsupporting one end of-the switch mechanism, placed in the box when theexpansion unit C is used, I provide the vertically extending bar 50which has its ends bent at right angles. This bar is secured to the top35 and bottom 36 by rivets, screws or other fasteners and is providedwith the threaded openings 51.

It is often found desirable to have the switch box turn a corner or tobe expanded vertically and in order that this may be done I provide thespacing strip or unit D. This unit D comprises the back 53 and ends 54and 55, the back and ends being connected by the angular portions 56 and57. The end 54 is provided at its forward edge with a top ear or lug 58and a bottom ear or lug 59, the lug 58 having a threaded opening 60 andthe lug 59 having an opening 61. The end 55 has at its forward edge aninwardly extending upper ear or lug 62, and an inwardly extending lowerear or lug 63, the upper ear or lug 62 having a threaded opening 64, andthe lower ear or lug 63 having a threaded opening 65. The upper edge 66of the back 53 is cut at an angle, as shown, and the lower edge 67 iscut on a corresponding angle, so that the end 55 of this unit will be ona plane below the end 54. A recess 68 is formed in the diagonallyextending edge 66 and a sub stantially L-sl aped lug or projection 69 isformed on said edge adjacent the recess. A recess 70 is formed in thediagonally extending edge 67 and a substantially L- shapedlug orprojection 71 is formed on the edge adjacent the recess 70. As shownmore particularly in Fig. 8 of the drawings the lugs or projections 69and 71 extend in opposite directions. An outwardly extending car 72 isformed on the end 54 and'is 4 provided with an opening 73. A similar ear74 is formed on the end 55 and has an opening 75. Secured to the end54is a bracket 76 having the openings 77 and secured to'the end 55 is asimilar bracket 78 having the openings 79'. The ears of the brackets areformed to receive connecting screws 80. When this spacing strip or unitD is used'it will beplaced between the diagolmuycut d 38 0f the member Cand theedge of the unit B. The projection 69 will interlock with theprojection 28 ofthe unit B and the projection 71 will interlock with theprojection 50 of the member C. r The ear59 formed on the end 54 willoverlie the ofiset portion 42 of the member C and willbe connectedtosaid member by a screw 81 or other suitable fastening member. The ear58on the end 54 will be received beneath theextension of the top 20 of themember C and the two will be securedtogether by means of the screw'orother fastening member 83. The brackets 76 and 78 may be used forsecuring the box to-the wall, floor,"or other support and the lugs 72and 74 are used for attaching the switch mechanism within the box.

From the above description, when consideredin connection with theaccompanying drawings, it is thought that the manner of using theimproved form' of box will be clearly understood. However, I desire itdistinctly understood that I do not wish to limit myself to the specificmannerbf arranging the spacing strips or units, as illustrated, but suchspacing strips or units maybepositioned in such manner as to provideforithe useofthe desired number of switches or the positions in whichthey are to b,e ,placed. It will. also be understood the spacing unitsas, shown in the drawings any des red number might be used. Theelectrician or otheruser may carry with him any desired number ofthestandard units sothat when he reaches the job he may construc t theboxes inaccordance with the plans submitted. The boxes are entirelysmooth on the outer surface and there will be no' projections to preventthe easy inser- :0-

that instead of merely using one or two of tion of the boxes, or theirremoval, in or from the opening formed in the wall, floor, or othersuitable support. I also desire to lay particular stress on the factthat the several units have their ends cut diagonally, such diagonaledges. allowing the proper adjustment and positioning of the severalunits one with respect to the other without providing any projections onthe outer surfaces of the box.

Having fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. A switch box comprising separable units, one of said units comprisinga bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion, and the other unitcomprising a top, end, and diagonally cut back portion, a spacing stripinsertable between the units, said spacing strip having a top, bottom,and back portion, the edge of the back portion being cut diagonally, andmeans for detachably connecting the units and spacing strip.

2. A switch box comprising separable units, one of said units comprisinga bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion, and the other unitcomprising a top, end, and diagonally cut back portion, a spacing stripinsertable between the units, said spacing strip having a top, bottom,and back portion, the edge of the back portion being cut diagonally, andinterlocking projections on the units and spacing strip for detachablyconnecting the same.

3. A switch box comprising separable units, one of said units comprisinga bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion, and the other unitcomprising a top, end and diagonally cut back portion, the units whenconnected together forming a box-like structure, the top of the one unitand the bottom of the other unit forming top and bottom portions of thestructure and the diagonally cut back portions forming the back thereof,and means for fastening the units together.

A switch box comprising separable end units and a spacing unit, one ofthe end units comprising a bottom, end and diagonally cut back portionand the other end unit comprising a top, end and diagonally cut backportion, the spacing unit being adapted to cooperate with the end unitsto make up a complete box-like structure, and means for fastening theunits together.

5. A switch box including two separable end units, means whereby the endunits may be connected directly together to form a means for connectingthe spacing units to the end units.

6. A switch box including two separable end units having their inneredges cut at an angle of less than 90, means whereby the end units maybe connected directly together to form a box-like structure, a spacingunit insertable between the end units for expanding the boxlongitudinally, the ends of the spacing unit being cut at an angle lessthan 90, and means for connecting the spacing unit to the end units.

7. A switch box including two separable end units, the meeting edges ofwhich are cut at an angle of less than 90, means whereby the end unitsmay be connected directly together to form a box-like structure, spacingunits insertable between the end units for expanding the box bothlongitudinally and vertically, the ends of the spacing units being cutat an angle less than 90, and means for connecting the spacing unit tothe end units.

8. A switch box including two similar separable end units, means wherebythe end units may be connected directly together to form a box-likestructure, a spacing unit insertable between the end units, and meansfor connecting the spacing unit to the end units, said spacing unitbeing formed and adapted when inserted between the end units to spacethe end units longitudinally and to position them on difierent verticalplanes.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

RICHARD M. HOLMES.

, box-like structure, spacing units insertable between the end units forexpanding the box both longitudinally and vertically, and

